Bloomberg reports that GE, the world’s biggest maker of jet engines, is investing heavily to act on its plans to make 85,000 3D-printed jet engine fuel nozzles.

TerryWohlers, author of the long-running annual Wohlers Report on the global industry of for additive manufacturing, called the investment plans “unprecedented”.

Wohlers said, “They see a big need, and a lot of demand but the supply is not there.”

The benefits of using additive manufacturing to create nozzles include a lighter, more efficient and stronger part, made from only one piece instead of over 20.

The first 85,000 nozzles mentioned by GE are for engine orders in hand.

The head of business development for additive manufacturing at GE, Greg Morris, said, “With today’s technology, it would take too many machines,” of the plans to create the nozzles for its newest jet engine.

He would not say how much it would cost to invest in the new printers, only that it would be worth “tens of millions” to upgrade capacity and that 60-70 new and expensive machines.

“We can start ramping up with the current generation of technology, but within two to three years we’re going to have to be onto the next generation to meet our cost targets.”

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